Colin and Alyce Mackerras
by Veronica Mackerras
My parents Colin and Alyce Mackerras, who lived in Beijing from 1964 to 1966, were the first Australians to work, live and have a baby in the People’s Republic of China. In 1964, Australia was ruled by the dogma of White Australia and the fear of communism. Australia refused to recognize the People’s Republic of China and Australian passports had to be specially validated for travel to the Chinese mainland.
My parents went on an incredibly brave journey to China in the 1960s and became the first Australians to form a life long friendship during a time when their country and family said ‘no’. They both went ahead anyway AND had a baby – very brave. It is incredible the contribution they have both have silently made to Australia–China relations and I hope this web-page might illustrate this life-long friendship.
Colin Mackerras 1962
Alyce Mackerras 1963
On Monday 17 November 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave an address to the Australian Parliament as a major part of his visit to Australia. Towards the beginning of his address, President Xi thanked Colin for his friendship and dedication, drawing applause from those present. This was a very proud moment in Colin’s career.
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Premier Li Keqiang shakes Colin Mackerras’s hand at the Friendship Award Ceremony. 30 September 2014. The “Friendship Award” was established to honour the outstanding contributions foreign experts have contributed in China’s modernisation drive.
Richard Blundell’s portrait of Professor Colin Mackerras was unveiled on Friday 2 October 2015, in its new home at the Colin Mackerras Room beside the Griffith Asia Institute (Nathan Campus, Griffith University).
My Childhood
Below is an article commenting on my childhood. It demonstrates the kind of family where I grew up. It was a highly cultured and educated family, but had no interest in China. Yet, it did encourage me to learn about China, for which I am eternally grateful.
Colin Mackerras